The Sky Sports pundit reckons success in that pursuit that will allow United to capture top players next summer following another year of 'transition'.

Wilkins told Sky Sports News: “I think it's a blow [to not be in the Champions League] because I don’t think Van Gaal will be able to bring in the A-Listers he wants to bring in during this window.

“I don’t think Man United should worry about winning anything this year as qualifying for the Champions League is paramount – it’s where they need to be and where we want to see them.

"I think it is a massive transitional period for them and whether it is players going out or players coming in; I think it is a building season."Wilkins on van Gaal

“The loss of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who have kept them rock-solid at the back for so long, will be a massive blow as at the moment Louis has brought in potential in Ander Herrera (Atheltic Bilbao) and Luke Shaw (Southampton).

“It’s great potential but it’s still just potential."

Wilkins – who made 160 league appearances for United, scoring seven goals – feels Van Gaal has filled the Old Trafford hot-seat at the perfect time having not had to face the pressure of directly succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 57-year-old expects the Dutchman to use his wealth of experience at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Bayern Munich and Barcelona, as well as his two spells in charge of his country to inspire United’s star names.